Radon is a tasteless, colorless and orderless gas that is a decay product of uranium and occurs naturally in soil and rock. Radon gas has been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is estimated to be responsible for 21,00 deaths from lung cancer annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that radon causes between 6% and 15% of lung cancers worldwide.
The main source of high-level radon pollution in buildings is surrounding uranium-containing soil such as granite, shale, phosphate and pitchblende. Radon enters a home through cracks in walls, basement floors, foundations and other openings. It may also contaminate the water supply, especially private wells.
It is possible for one home to have elevated levels of radon while neighboring homes do not. Testing is the only way to determine levels of radon in a structure. Testing can be done through do-it-yourself home test kits labeled “meets EPA requirements” or through a professional testing firm.
Radon levels can be lowered through a variety of repairs, from sealing cracks in floors and walls to changing the flow of air into the building. Repairs to decrease radon levels should be made by an EPA or state-certified contractor.
Source: http://www.lungusa.org
